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Monday, September 14, 2009

Disappearing nine patch :: Tutorial

This is what is on my craft table today. I have gathered some of my favorite red and Aqua fabrics, to join in the fun over at Jane's blog.The challenge is 25 nine patch blocks done in only red and aqua's cut each into 4 and come out with a total of 100 blocks. Then they will be sent to Jane to mix up and send out randomly back to all of us.

Now because this is a swap, I felt I could get a little more crazy with the fabrics I chose. I think was right to, they all look great together.

I happen to know that a lot of you are beginner quilters, I thought I would set up a little tutorial for you to make your own. Even though it's a fairly easy block, when you are learning to quilt it makes it so much easier to see it done in real life. Right?

We are making a disappearing nine patch block that will measure 12.5 x 12.5 when finished.

You will start by cutting 4.5 x 4.5 inch blocks from all of the lovely fabrics you have chosen. Choose the layout of your first block by picking out 9 of the 4.5 x 4.5 inch blocks that you have just cut.

Align them 3 blocks by 3 blocks like you see in the picture below.I sew mine in rows, so the first row of three get sewn together with a 1/4 inch seam then I move on to the second row. After you have done all 3 rows sew the first row to the second, matching the seam lines. (makes it easier if you pin them in place).Then sew the first and second row piece to the third row piece.

**Hint** I am a sucker for a smooth flat quilt so I iron my seams open to have the blocks lay flatter, this is only a preference

Now you should have a nine patch block 3 down and 3 across to make one square.

After you have a block with nine patches all sewn together, the block should measure about

Take your nine patch block and cut it in fourths right down the middle. (see picture). This will make four separate quadrants. I found the easiest way to get the center was to measure 2 inches from the middle block, but you can find center however is easiest for you.

You should now have 4 blocks that measure 6-1/4 x 6-1/4. How many you need total, will depend on the size you desire for the finished quilt. To make more blocks continue the process over with step one again.

The fun part about this quilt is you can re-arrange the blocks in almost any design you want to make it fit your taste. This is wonderful for beginning quilting, and easy to.If you are having problems with measurements I would suggest a 1/4 inch foot for your sewing machine. They come in metal and plastic to help you keep that 1/4 inch seam consistent.

I have 'seen' pics of some of the participants blocks. When I do a D-9 trade we do NOT quarter the 9-patches (that really makes it just a 9-patch trade-lol) so each can size their own. Can't wait to start seeing the tops. cw

can someone email me at kittenscastle@live.com and tell me what the yardage would be for each color? I know it depends on what size but if you went with the 4 1/2 squares? How many yards of each color would you need? Thanks